Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers is leading the charge for a new federal data privacy standard to protect children and millions of Americans from the dangers of online exploitation. She expressed her biggest fear as a parent of her children’s sensitive data being exploited online, leading to dangerous targeting by algorithms and harmful behaviors. Rodgers cited reports of predatory groups targeting children on social media, resulting in issues like eating disorders, mental health problems, and even deaths from interactions with drug dealers selling tainted pills.
Teaming up with Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell, Rodgers unveiled a bipartisan framework to give Americans more control over their online personal data and the ability to take action against bad actors. The proposed legislation aims to minimize the collection of sensitive data, like location information and biometrics, without expressed permission. It includes strong accountability measures, allowing the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to pursue those who misuse personal data. Individuals would also have the right to sue if companies continue to harvest and sell their data without permission or if a data breach causes harm.
The bill sets the stage for the first-ever federal data privacy standard if passed, addressing a long-standing issue that has been evolving alongside the internet. Rodgers emphasized the importance of moving the legislation forward, as Congress has been grappling with privacy data security law for decades. The framework would put people in control of their data and prepare Congress to address future privacy challenges posed by advancing technologies like artificial intelligence. Establishing a national privacy standard is seen as crucial for protecting children online and ensuring the safety and security of all Americans.
Rodgers stressed the urgency of passing the bill, especially in light of the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing collection of massive amounts of sensitive data by companies. The proposed legislation aims to provide a foundation for AI technologies by establishing limits on data collection and ensuring that companies respect individuals’ privacy rights. The bill is expected to go through the legislative process, including hearings, as it moves through Congress. It aims to address the pressing need for a comprehensive data privacy standard to protect the interests and rights of individuals in the digital age.
Efforts to address online privacy and data security have gained momentum with the introduction of the bipartisan framework by Rodgers and Cantwell. The bill aims to empower individuals to control their personal data and hold companies accountable for their handling of sensitive information. By allowing regulatory agencies and individuals to take action against those who exploit personal data, the legislation seeks to create a safer online environment for children and all Americans. The establishment of a federal data privacy standard is seen as crucial for addressing existing and emerging challenges related to online privacy and data security, setting the stage for a more secure and ethical digital landscape.
